The title of this news report is not a direct quote, it’s just Renegade’s only interpretation of what the hell is happening with the future of DC on film. The more these guys say, the less any of it actually makes any damn sense. Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at the only segment of the DC update that is actually clear.
First up, the Man of Steel is confirmed to have “re-imagined” origins. Before we shed too many details, just know minor spoilers follow. Slashfilm described the specifics of the DC update from the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. Here is what they had to say:
The origin is largely the same — Jor-El saves his son by sending him to Earth — but there are a few major differences. The main one is in this film, children of Krypton are genetically engineered to be something specific. Kal-El, aka Superman, is different and infamous because he was the rare child conceived naturally, meaning he can choose his path in life. Unfortunately for him, that also means his existence is against the law. Just another way to lend imperfections to a character that’s naturally perfect.
Sounds like a pretty unique spin for the story. Definitely has the philosophical undertone Nolan is highly known for. Slashfilm further explains that “armors are built on top of tight suits. Which is why Superman’s suit is how it is and why Zod and Jor-El’s are as we’ve seen them.”
BUT…
Here is where details begin flying all over the place in this new DC update. In the Entertainment Weekly article posted online, producer Jeff Robinov reveals specifics on the Justice League link to Man of Steel, as well as the long rumored connection to Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. Read carefully. I’ll bold the questionable parts for emphasis.
It’s setting the tone for what the movies are going to be like going forward. In that, Man of Steel is definitely a first step. [Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies] were deliberately and smartly positioned as a standalone. The world [the films] lived in was very isolated without any knowledge of other superheroes. What Zack and Chris have done with this film is allow you to really introduce other characters into the same world.
So… Is The Dark Knight trilogy still standing alone? Or are other characters being introduced into that world? There’s a million ways to read that but it sounds like a politician’s response for “hell if I know.” What you can grab from this DC update is there will be some sort of pathway for expansion of characters. Once again, he vaguely validates this as a possibility but does so in a very ambiguous way.
I would love to tell you yes or no but I think it’s going to be more exciting for people to keep a beady eye out and find what they can find.
This is where the confusion really kicks in! When asked if it was true Nolan and Bale were returning to DC and beyond, Robinov insisted ““No, no it’s not.” However, once again, when asked if the Nolan films standalone, he says, “They do. Or they did. Where we go in the future is a whole other conversation.” So they are standing alone… or maybe… not?
It’s very clear these guys have no clue what is going on, and if they do, they are playing the greatest mind f*&% in the history of superhero franchises. If this is how they are gearing up Phase one of DCU, on film then we all should be concerned. Let’s pray they find solid footing with Man of Steel and that film isn’t tainted by the studios need for a huge superhero team-up.
This is why most producers should not be allowed to speak about the properties they are involved with. It would be much better if someone typed up a script for these guys to go off of, but if they’re just making stuff up as the words are leaving their mouths, then confidence is the last thing we’re going to feel in regards to a feature film franchise.